By Mutlu Demirtastan
ISTANBUL (AA) - Hannah Dingley made history as she took charge as the caretaker manager of English Football League Two club Forest Green Rovers.
The Gloucestershire club appointed the 39-year-old following the departure of Duncan Ferguson.
"Forest Green Rovers - recognised by FIFA and the United Nations as the world’s greenest football club - has today confirmed the appointment of Hannah Dingley as Caretaker Head Coach," the club said in a statement on Tuesday.
Chairman Dale Vince said “Hannah was the natural choice" as she’s done a "fantastic job leading our Academy and is well aligned with the values of the club."
"It’s perhaps telling for the men’s game that in making this appointment on merit, we’ll break new ground - and Hannah will be the first female Head Coach in English (men’s) football," he added.
Dingley said she was "really excited for this next step" of her career.
"Pre-season has just begun and the full season kicks off very soon. It’s an exciting time in football. I am grateful for the opportunity to step up and to lead such a progressive and forward-thinking club," the 39-year-old said.
*Writing by Selcuk Bugra Gokalp